Chapter 2
Jace
“Where are we going?” Willow is in another one of her fancy outfits, a far cry from what I’m wearing.
My usual work clothes consist of a blue chambray shirt, work-stained jeans, and boots.
Today, she’s wearing a black top, unbuttoned at the top, with short sleeves that’s flowy enough that when I look down at her, I can see the purple lace of her bra.
I’m also awarded a spectacular fucking view of her tits.
Pretty sure whatever scrap of material she has on beneath her blouse is barely holding the beauties up.
One tug, and they’d be freed, and my hands would be right there to catch them.
“Depends on where you want to go. There’s Oak & Brew, The Social, and another bar that can get kind of rowdy.” She scrunches her nose at the last one while also remaining quiet about the other two.
“Maybe this isn’t a good idea. I have my car, and driving after a couple of drinks isn’t a bright idea. Not like there are a whole lot of car services that would take me home,” she mumbles.
“I’ve got one other option.” Might be better for both of us in the long run.
The last thing I need is for others to run their mouths, and while in the past, I’ve been known to love ‘em and leave ‘em, that isn’t the case anymore and hasn’t for some time.
Shit gets old. You realize your friends, even your best friend, are settling down, with your sister at that, and you realize having someone to call yours is better than finding someone for the night.
“What’s that?” I get lost in her hazel eyes, lashes fanning the pretty irises, and I notice the light smattering of freckles along her nose and cheekbones. She really is beautiful.
“There’s always my place. You can leave your car here or follow me, whichever you prefer.
I can’t say that a hired car will drive you home, but you can stay for however long.
Not asking for anything more than conversation, a couple of drinks, and a meal.
” I don’t point out that it looks like she could use a friend.
Hell, we all could, but after dealing with her father a few times and hearing how he talks to others, I think it’s safe to assume he probably treats her just as badly, if not worse.
When we make it out the door of the plant, the sun is setting over the horizon.
The sky is showing off tonight with its vivid oranges, purples, and pinks, except nothing compares to the woman I have beside me.
Fuck, if this is what Colt and Locke feel, it’s no wonder they’re wrapped around their woman’s finger.
“Your place. Definitely your place,” she reiterates while digging through her bag to find her keys.
“Sounds good to me. Got a place not far from here with a view of the river and a lot of solitude,” I tell her so she knows what she’s getting into.
I’m not one to live in a high rise in the center of town.
Even where the steel mill is located, it’s full of neighborhoods, some on a bit of land, some on zero lot lines, and I knew from early on it wouldn’t be for me.
I need the wide-open spaces, with no neighbors for miles and no street lights.
Nothing but the stars, the moon, the cicadas buzzing, the birds chirping, and everything else nature intends to show us.
“That sounds like a dream,” Willow surprises me by saying. It shouldn’t, but the way she carries herself makes one believe she likes life a certain way. The fancy clothes, the designer bags, and the way she keeps to herself. Seems maybe I’ve got Willow Ashford all wrong.
“You opposed to steak?” I ask, thinking about firing up the grill.
“As long as you don’t cook it to look like worn leather and it tastes like char. I’m a medium rare kind of girl, in case you’re wondering.”
“Only way I know how to cook a steak. No self-respecting gentleman would eat, much less cook, a steak well done.” We arrive at her car, and she clicks the key fob starting up the two-door black coupe. Sophisticated with a purr, exactly like its owner.
“Then you’ve got yourself a deal. Anything I can pick up along the way, like sides to go with dinner, alcohol?” she asks as she steps away from me, losing my hand on her back in the process. Damn, does that fucking suck.
“I got it covered. All you gotta do is follow behind me. You got your phone? I’ll give you my address in case anything happens.” I’m lying through my fucking teeth. There’s no way I’d let her get stuck behind a light or drive too fast for her to lose me.
“Oh yeah, that’s probably a good idea. You know, just in case.” She hands me her phone after thumbing the code to unlock it, and I take it from there. A few seconds later, my number is saved in her phone, and I’ve got her number after calling myself.
“All set.” I hand her phone back, grab mine from my pocket, and send her a quick text with my address.
“See you soon. And thanks again. You’re right, I really could use a breather,” Willow places her hand on my chest, tilts her head up, and just when I think she’s about to do something more, a lot like planting her lips on mine, I move back a little.
“And that’s what you’ll get. Come on, peaches.” I guide her to the driver’s side door, open it, and watch as she slides inside. I’d love nothing more than to leave her with a parting gift, but considering we’re outside the building, I don’t. With any luck, I’ll get to taste her sweet lips later.
“Thank you, Jace. In case I haven’t said it yet, thank you.” Her voice slides through the early evening air, wrapping around me and making my goddamn dick twitch.
“You don’t have to thank me, Willow. But I appreciate it all the same.
” I pull her seatbelt out, bend inside, and fasten it.
Meanwhile, it’s not lost on me that her breathing quickens when my knuckles skate along her chest. “See you soon.” I connect the seatbelt to the buckle and back out of the car.
Once her door is shut, I make a beeline for my truck, click the button to unlock it, and climb inside.
I quickly turn on the ignition, put my hand on the passenger headrest, and look out the rearview mirror as I back out.
I make sure to put my own seatbelt on once I’m in Drive and Willow is behind me.
As soon as she is, I drive slowly and steadily to my place even though what I really want to do is push the gas pedal to the floor.
I want Willow to myself, without prying eyes, where she can let her guard down and be who she wants.
And I plan on helping her do exactly that, tonight and hopefully well through the night.